Official: Bad Boy Mowers Bowl to be played on actual grass in 2018 and 2019

It’s only fitting that the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl is moving locations in 2018 and 2019.

First reported by Brett McMurphy and later announced by ESPN, the former Beef O’Brady’s Bowl is moving from Tropicana Field to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Raymond James is the home stadium for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and features a grass field. The field at the indoor Tropicana Field is artificial turf.

“Since the inception of the bowl in 2008 our staff has aimed to forge special relationships with stakeholders on both sides of Bay,” Bad Boy Mowers bowl executive director Brett Dulaney said in an ESPN statement. “This move will continue to support our ability to better expand our relationships across Tampa Bay. With our new home at Raymond James Stadium, Bad Boy Mowers, the two participating teams and their fans will be able to enjoy the incredible benefits of one of the best football venues in America.”

Having a bowl game played on artificial turf sponsored by a lawnmower company felt so wrong. But it did give us this moment a year ago.

(Via ESPN)

And there was at least a lawnmower race between players for Temple and Florida International. Perhaps they can have the race on the actual field in 2018.

(Via ESPN)

Bad Boy Mowers signed a three-year deal for the naming rights to the bowl game before the 2017 season.